Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Not to be confused with Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert, California.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
New Mexico State Park
View of a trail at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Country United States
State New Mexico
County Eddy
Location Carlsbad
 - elevation 3,200 ft (975 m)
 - coordinates 32°26′30″N 104°16′39″W / 32.44167°N 104.27750°W / 32.44167; -104.27750Coordinates: 32°26′30″N 104°16′39″W / 32.44167°N 104.27750°W / 32.44167; -104.27750
Area 1,500 acres (600 ha)
Founded 1967 [1]
Management New Mexico State Parks Division
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
in New Mexico

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, formerly the Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park, is a zoo and botanical garden displaying plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert in their native habitats. It is located off U.S. Route 285 at the north edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico, at an elevation of 3,200 feet (980 m) atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and the Pecos River. It is open every day except Christmas.

The park has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2002.[2][3]

Exhibits

The zoo features more than forty native animal species, including pronghorn, badger, bison, bobcats, mule deer, elk, kit fox, Gila monster, cougar, prairie dogs, reptiles, fourteen species of snakes, and Mexican wolves. An aviary contains golden eagles, hawks, owls, a roadrunner, songbirds, and turkeys. The gardens feature a greenhouse and hundreds of cacti and succulents from around the world, including acacia, agave, small barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, saguaro, sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), and yucca.

1.3 miles (2.1 km) of self-guided trails lead through sand dunes, arroyos, and pinyon pine/juniper forest.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park Management and Development Plan" (PDF). Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  2. ↑ "List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park Receives Accreditation by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums" (PDF). state.nm.us. State of New Mexico. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
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